Crumbs – Devil, Begone!

The Greek word Peirasmos is commonly translated temptation. The wordcan mean “temptation” as in being misled into sin or enticed to do wrong. Or, it can mean trial or testing, as in one’s faith or fidelity being put to the test.

“The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual – for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.” Scott Peck

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.; Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to son; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:13-15

“A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. This is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is…. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would have been like an hour later. That is why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness. They have lived a sheltered life by always giving in.” C. S. Lewis

“Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.” Unknown

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41

We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world and the spiritual agents are from the very headquarters of evil. Therefore, we must wear the ‘whole armour of God,’ that we may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when we have fought to a standstill, we may still stand our ground.” Corrie Ten Boom

“What are the Grizzlies in my life? What are the deadly beasts I hope never reach me? What are the things that would destroy my life? The list included some of the big destroyers: adultery, addictions to alcohol or pornography, love of money and possessions. There are some more subtle ones like pride, bitterness, laziness and jealousy. What are yours? The real question is what am I doing to make sure they never reach me? Mike Woodard

There are many things to do, here are a few. First, identify the Grizzlies. They will be different or each person. Second, don’t put yourself in harm’s way. People that play with fire get burned. Are your activities pushing you toward danger? Third, draw on God’s wisdom by spending time in reading the Bible. Forth, realize there is a real spiritual battle. Mike Woodard, national director of Campus for Christ, Canada division of Power to Change Ministries.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” I Corinthians 10:13

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:8-10

“God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.” Unknown